HORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – OVERNIGHT: 

YOU CAN'T MAKE IT UP – OVERNIGHT:  Another advance in social justice.  From Legal Insurrection:  The federal government has allocated $2.14 million dollars to “root” out oppression in plant sciences.  The National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Biological Sciences recently awarded $2.14 million to the American Society of Plant Biologists for the development of a multi-organization research coordination network called ROOT and SHOOT.  ROOT stands for Rooting Out Oppression Together. And SHOOT? SHaring Our Outcomes Transparently.
“The demographic distribution of scientists, especially those in positions of authority, does not reflect that of the US population,” the award’s abstract states.  “Some of the causes of this disparity are known, such as a lack of role models and the tendency for people to look within their own circles when they recruit, appoint, and promote. This award will provide resources, trainings, opportunities, and structures that will allow participating plant science and affiliated organizations to change that construct.”  The award follows the release of a 2021 Dear Colleague Letter from National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Biological Sciences encouraging “professional societies to submit proposals to develop collaborative networks for facilitating cultural changes in the biological sciences to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.”  In the letter, NSF BIO stated that it “recognizes culture change in the biological sciences as an urgent priority and is committed to supporting efforts that use evidence-based practices to remove barriers for individuals historically excluded from science.”  Not a word about excellence or professionalism.  It's all about race, gender, and ethnicity.  This is how great civilizations die.

March 4, 2022